Zardari expects UKs support for socio-economic programs

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said Pakistan looked forward to the continued support of British government to fund socio-economic programmes and share the burden of reconstruction in the areas affected by terrorism and extremism. The President was talking to the outgoing British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley who paid a farewell call on him, at Presidency in Islamabad. He hoped that the initiation of Pak-UK strategic dialogue would provide the mechanism for a structured and comprehensive partnership between the two countries. President Zardari said Pakistan highly values its cordial and friendly relations with United Kingdom and desires to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields especially economic, commercial, investment, science and technology and education sectors. The President appreciated the UKs development assistance worth 665 million pounds, 22 million pounds as relief assistance for the displaced persons of Malakand and the recent contribution of 50 million pounds to back Pakistans plans for long term stabilization in the countrys border regions. On Pakistans efforts to access the European Union markets, President hoped that with the appointment of Baroness Ashton as EUs Foreign minister, the UK would play more effective role in this regard and for the initiation of Free Trade Agreement process. President lauded the valuable contributions of High Commissioner in consolidating and strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries by frequent engagement among their leadership. He wished Brinkley every success in his future assignments and hoped that he, being a friend of Pakistan, would continue to work for bringing Pakistan and UK closer. The outgoing High Commissioner thanked the President for the support extended to him during his stay in Pakistan and said that UK was highly appreciative of Pakistans great sacrifices in the war against terror.